upsc gs pt pickups | pt pointers

Rising Nitrate Levels in India’s Groundwater The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) annual report of December 2024 revealed a sharp rise in groundwater pollution across India. The number of districts with excessive nitrate levels increased from 359 in 2017 to 440 in 2023, now affecting more than 60% of the country. Key Findings and Impacts Area Details Worst-Hit States Rajasthan recorded 49%, Karnataka 48%, and Tamil Nadu 37% nitrate exc

Bilateral/Multilateral Exercises involving India

Bilateral / Multilateral Exercises Involving India India participated in several important bilateral and multilateral military exercises during 2025–26 to strengthen defence cooperation, interoperability, maritime security, border preparedness, and strategic partnerships with friendly countries. Major Bilateral and Multilateral Exercises Exercise Participating Countries Location / Time Key Focus Vajra Prahar India – USA B

10 May, 2026
Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their Mandate
SHARE ARTICLE

Committee for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance

Committee for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance On 25th January 2026, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) constituted a committee of investment experts for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG). The committee has been formed to review, modernize, and strengthen the investment framework under the National Pension System (NPS). Aim of the Committee Objective Details Modernisation of NPS Framew

SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2025

SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2025 The SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2025 was held in Qingdao, China, on 26 June 2025. India was represented by Rajnath Singh, and Belarus was welcomed as a new member. Key Highlights of the Meeting Aspect Details Venue Qingdao, China. Date Held on 26 June 2025. India’s Representative India was represented by Rajnath Singh. New Member Belarus w

10 May, 2026
International Institutions - organizations - conventions
Other international organizations
SHARE ARTICLE

Major International Honours Received by Narendra Modi in 2025

Major International Honours Received by Narendra Modi in 2025 Date Country Award Description 05 Mar 2025 Barbados Honorary Order of Freedom One of Barbados’ highest national honours. 12 Mar 2025 Mauritius Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean Mauritius’ highest national honour. 05 Apr 2025 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Highest Sri Lankan honou

10 May, 2026
SHARE ARTICLE

Appointments

Appointments Person Appointment / Position Rakesh Aggarwal Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Jared Isaacman 15th Administrator of NASA, succeeding Bill Nelson. Nidhi Chhibber Took additional charge as CEO of NITI Aayog. Shatrujeet Kapur Appointed Director General of ITBP. Praveen Vashista Appointed Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission.